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enMexico capitalised on the mistakes we made - SchaferJesus Corona's goal early in the second half "killed" Jamaica's CONCACAF Gold Cup hopes, according to Winfried Schafer.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mexico-capitalised-mistakes-we-made-schafer
Jamaica coach Winfried Schafer conceded his team deserved to lose Sunday's CONCACAF Gold Cup final but was frustrated how the Caribbean nation handed goals to Mexico on a platter.
Mexico triumphed 3-1 in Philadelphia to claim their seventh title in the Gold Cup era and 10th CONCACAF championship overall, while Jamaica missed out on a maiden trophy in their first continental final.
Schafer, who insisted he was proud of his team, was left frustrated with how Mexico scored their three goals - particularly Jesus Corona's strike just after half-time, which the 65-year-old German coach claimed "was the goal that really killed us".
Mexico led 1-0 at the break thanks to Andres Guardado's volley, with Jamaica leaving the opposing captain unmarked at the back post, while Corona made it 2-0 in the 47th minute after stealing possession from Michael Hector just 25 yards from goal.
Oribe Peralta extended Mexico's lead further after Hector failed to clear a cross in the 61st minute, while Darren Mattocks pulled a goal back for Jamaica with 12 minutes remaining.
"Mexico was a good team," Schafer said.
"They played great football in the first minutes and had chances; however, the mistakes we made were reflected in goals from Mexico."
Schafer added: "[Mexico] were better, stronger but congratulations to my team, everybody should be proud of them."news_articleMon, 27 Jul 2015 04:08:19 +0000Anonymous424124 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comJamaica 1 Mexico 3: CONCACAF giants complete form turnaroundJamaica had few answers to a rampant Mexico in Philadelphia, as Miguel Herrera's team completed an incredible CONCACAF Gold Cup recovery.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/jamaica-1-mexico-3-concacaf-giants-complete-form-turnaround
Andres Guardado, Jesus Corona and Oribe Peralta scored as Mexico defeated Jamaica 3-1 in the Gold Cup final to claim their 10th CONCACAF title.
Looking for their third Gold Cup title in the past four tournaments, Mexico took the lead in the 31st minute when a free-kick was directed out to the right flank to Paul Aguilar, who picked out an unmarked Guardado for an impressive side-foot volley inside the back post.
Corona doubled Mexico's lead in the 47th minute, stealing possession from Michael Hector before driving the ball beyond Ryan Thompson from the edge of the area, while Peralta put the result beyond doubt just after the hour-mark, following another error from the Jamaican centre-back.
Hector failed to control a cross from the right and Peralta pounced, firing the ball into the net from six yards and completing an incredible turnaround from Miguel Herrera's team throughout the course of the tournament, with Darren Mattocks' late goal for Jamaica making little difference.
Mexico entered the Gold Cup on an seven-game winless run, including a poor Copa America campaign - although that was with a different squad.
But after breaking their drought with a 6-0 thumping of minnows Cuba in their Gold Cup opener, Mexico found a way to reach the final, although they needed refereeing decisions - later labelled "errors" by CONCACAF - to go their way to overcome Panama 2-1 after extra time in the semi-finals.
Mexico produced their best performance of the tournament when it counted at Lincoln Financial Field, ending Jamaica's hopes of a maiden continental trophy.
Since the Gold Cup was instigated in 1991, Mexico have won seven titles, while United States have claimed the other five.
Jamaica coach Winfried Schafer made just one change his starting line-up from the 2-1 semi-final victory over United States, surprisingly omitting goal-scorer Mattocks for Simon Dawkins.
Mexican brothers Jonathan and Giovani dos Santos were passed fit to start and sit on the bench, respectively, while coach Herrera made two changes from his XI against Panama.
Jesus Duenas was brought into midfield at the expense of Hector Herrera, while Corona started up front, replacing the suspended Carlos Vela.
Jamaica started brighter as Mexico sat deep but Schafer's men failed to create any clear-cut opportunities in the opening 15 minutes.
After a slow start, Mexico gradually gained the ascendency.
A desperate sliding block from Kemar Lawrence denied Duenas in the 22nd minute after the latter was teed up by Guardado, while Corona's header was tipped wide of the post by Thompson moments later.
Both new inclusions were lively in the opening 30 minutes with Duenas also seeing his deflected effort hit the side-netting, while Corona curled a shot over the bar.
Mexico deservedly took the lead after the half-hour mark through their skipper.
After going behind, Jamaica settled again but still struggled to genuinely test opposing goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, although in the 45th minute, Mexico's Diego Reyes almost poked Adrian Mariappa's cross into his own net.
Corona's strike just after the break deflated Jamaica, although they found a way to respond to Peralta's 61st-minute goal with Mattocks cutting inside from the left flank to score with 12 minutes left.
But Mexico would not be denied yet another continental success.news_articleMon, 27 Jul 2015 01:57:57 +0000Anonymous424069 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDos Santos brothers in doubt for Gold Cup finalMexico coach Miguel Herrera said Jonathan and Giovani Dos Santos are not yet certain to appear in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/dos-santos-brothers-doubt-gold-cup-final
Miguel Herrera said Jonathan and Giovani dos Santos remain in doubt for the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Jamaica on Sunday.
The brothers' availability remains in question, adding a selection headache to the suspension of Carlos Vela - although Herrera did confirm captain Andres Guardado should be fit, after reportedly pulling up sore following Mexico's controversial 2-1 extra-time win over Panama in the semi-finals.
Giovani has not appeared since being substituted at half-time of the 4-4 draw with Trinidad and Tobago in the group stages, while Jonathan has started in all five matches this tournament - including playing all 120 minutes against Panama.
Herrera said Saturday's training session would determine whether Villarreal midfielder Jonathan and LA Galaxy striker Giovani - who has been sidelined by a left abductor problem - would be ready for the final in Philadelphia.
"Physically the team is good, we have a couple of beaten, but fortunately [are] good," Herrera told a news conference.
"Jonathan and Giovani dos Santos, we will try this afternoon to see how they are both doing.
"Andres Guardado was much better yesterday, he had a heavy blow [against Panama], but fortunately it was [not too bad] and I think he'll be 100 per cent.
"The only doubts are the Dos Santos brothers, today's [training session] will prove if they are at 100 per cent, and then we'll think of them."
Midfielder Hector Herrera insisted Mexico had moved on from the semi-final drama, which has seen CONCACAF admit refereeing mistakes were made - ones the Mexicans capitalised on.
"Yes, it's a page that has already turned for the whole team. We are now engaged in the end, we are not interested in what has happened," the Porto midfielder said.
"We have a great opportunity to reach the Confederations Cup, and we want the whole squad, all the coaching staff [focused on] a nice opportunity to do so."
Centre-back Diego Reyes said Mexico will be wary of giving away free-kicks in dangerous positions against the Jamaicans.
"Jamaica is known for being a strong, fast team with good height. Its greatest virtue is the dead-ball," Reyes said.
"We have to be very careful in every corner; we have to work hard now. I am quite sure that the team will play a great match tomorrow."news_articleSun, 26 Jul 2015 01:47:22 +0000Anonymous423627 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMexico v Jamaica: Herrera wary of first-time finalistsJamaica are preparing for their first CONCACAF Gold Cup final, as Mexico await in the decider in Philadelphia.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mexico-v-jamaica-herrera-wary-first-time-finalists
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera warned his team against taking Jamaica lightly in their CONCACAF Gold Cup final on Sunday.
Herrera's men claimed a controversial 2-1 win over 10-man Panama after extra time in their semi-final in Atlanta.
They needed a late penalty from Andres Guardado to equalise in regulation time, and a second Guardado spot-kick saw them eventually capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Herrera had been under growing pressure at the helm after several unconvincing performances.
His team only won one group game - thrashing Cuba - as they finished second to Trinidad and Tobago.
Mexico then scraped past Costa Rica thanks to a 124th-minute penalty from Guardado and that spot-kick was also controversial.
However, Herrera's team are just a win away from claiming their nation's 10th Gold Cup crown - and they are favourites to do so.
The coach said Jamaica had shown their quality, denying suggestions the tournament was easier after United States' semi-final loss to Winfried Schafer's side.
"United States played a great game, came, but did not take chances," Herrera said.
"Jamaica plays well, keep possession well and have quick players.
"We have to be attentive, nothing is easy."
Guardado has scored five goals at the tournament, including all three - and all penalties - of Mexico's goals in the knockout stages.
For Jamaica, Sunday's clash at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia will mark their first Gold Cup final.
Schafer's men finished top of their group before edging Haiti and upsetting USA on their way to the final.
Former Derby County and West Brom attacker Giles Barnes, now at Houston Dynamo, and Reading winger Garath McCleary have led the way.news_articleSat, 25 Jul 2015 04:13:48 +0000Anonymous423220 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUSA coach Klinsmann bemoans bad luckDefending CONCACAF Gold Cup champions United States could have scored "four or five" goals in their loss to Jamaica.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/usa-coach-klinsmann-bemoans-bad-luck
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann said luck was not on his team's side after their bid for back-to-back CONCACAF Gold Cup titles came to an end on Wednesday.
Jamaica emerged shock 2-1 winners in the semi-final in Atlanta, albeit in controversial circumstances.
Defending champions USA were made to pay for a horror five minutes, as Darren Mattocks opened the scoring in the 31st minute and Giles Barnes netted a contentious free-kick four minutes later after goalkeeper Brad Guzan was judged to have handled the ball outside his own penalty area.
Captain Michael Bradley gave USA hope early in the second half, and the co-hosts dominated proceedings from that point without making it count on the scoreboard, as the skipper and Aron Johannsson wasted opportunities.
"The team and fans are disappointed," Klinsmann told reporters. "We lost this game with two set pieces.
"We had enough chances to score four or five. We didn't do that and Jamaica won. Congrats to Jamaica, they performed well. Defensively Jamaica did a very good job.
"We had enough chances to put this game away. The luck was not with us, but we also were not clinical enough."
USA will face the loser of Mexico versus Panama in the third-place play-off.
"We need to finish off in style Saturday in front of our fans," Klinsmann added. "Approaching that game the right way. We owe that to our fans."news_articleThu, 23 Jul 2015 01:41:52 +0000Anonymous422169 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMcAnuff hails massive underdogs Jamaica for reaching maiden Gold Cup finalJamaica knew they could frustrate United States and hurt them with counter-attacks, according to one of their veterans.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mcanuff-hails-massive-underdogs-jamaica-reaching-maiden-gold-cup-final
Jamaica midfielder Jobi McAnuff claimed reaching the CONCACAF Gold Cup final is one of the highlights of his career, after the Caribbean nation stunned United States on Wednesday.
McAnuff was thrilled Jamaica were able to prove their critics wrong in their semi-final in Atlanta, with first-half goals to Darren Mattocks and Giles Barnes setting up a 2-1 victory against the tournament co-hosts and defending champions.
Having lost all three group matches at the Copa America in June, McAnuff conceded Winfried Schafer's team were "massive underdogs" before CONCACAF's showpiece event began.
But they are now just one win away from their maiden Gold Cup title - a significant moment in McAnuff's career, which has included winning the Championship in England with Reading and playing in the Premier League.
"This is right up there, man," the 33-year-old said.
"You know, massive underdogs coming into the tournament, no-one gave us a chance of getting out of the group - one estimate was two points and fourth place [but] we won the group and then we've come through.
"But it's not done yet, we've got a final to go and win now."
A combination of rapid counter-attacks, direct play, structured defending and luck saw Jamaica overcome their highly fancied opponents at the Georgia Dome.
Mattocks opening the scoring with a header from a long throw in the 31st minute before Barnes benefitted from a decision from the referee.
After collecting a cross in the 34th minute, USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan appeared to release his throw outside the boundaries of his penalty area and the referee awarded Jamaica a free-kick.
Barnes slotted the set-piece into the net, and although Michael Bradley pulled a goal back just after half-time and Jamaica keeper Ryan Thompson rode his luck with some poor handling at times, Schafer's men triumphed.
McAnuff explained that it was Jamaica's plan to sit deep, frustrate USA, and rely on Barnes and Mattocks' ability to counter-attack.
"We knew if we could contain them, we'd be able to catch them on the break," he said.
"Obviously, second half they scored early, put us under pressure but we held out, so I'm just proud of everybody connected."news_articleThu, 23 Jul 2015 00:39:58 +0000Anonymous422138 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUnited States 1 Jamaica 2: Controversial free-kick dumps out Gold Cup co-hostsJamaica produced one of the biggest upsets in CONCACAF Gold Cup history on Wednesday, eliminating the defending champions in Atlanta.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/united-states-1-jamaica-2-controversial-free-kick-dumps-out-gold-cup-co-hosts
A contentious free-kick from Giles Barnes inspired Jamaica to a shock 2-1 victory over United States, dumping the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup co-hosts out in the semi-finals.
USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan was judged to have handled the ball outside his own penalty area in the first half, and Barnes curled the set-piece over the wall and into the net to give Jamaica a two-goal advantage at the Georgia Dome.
Barnes' goal combined with Darren Mattocks' earlier header sent Jamaica to their maiden Gold Cup decider, while defending champions USA missed out on a sixth straight continental championship final despite Michael Bradley's goal two minutes after half-time.
A horror five minutes for USA saw them concede a deficit they could not arrest, with Mattocks and Barnes scoring in the final quarter-hour before the interval.
Lax defending from the home side allowed Mattocks to head a long throw in off both posts in the 31st minute before Barnes slotted his controversial free-kick in the 36th.
Jamaica goalkeeper Ryan Thompson's slippery fingers helped USA back into the contest in the 48th minute as he failed to hold Aron Johannson's shot from the edge of the box.
Clint Dempsey's follow-up effort ensured Thompson could not gather possession at the second attempt and Bradley poked the loose ball into the net.
But after a positive start to the second half, USA were unable to fashion an equaliser as Jamaica pulled off the biggest upset of the 2015 Gold Cup.
With Jamaica coach Winfried Schafer and his fellow German Jurgen Klinsmann setting their sides up in relatively defensive 4-4-2 formations, the game started slowly in Atlanta.
Je-Vaughn Watson had the first genuine chance of the match in the 11th minute, dragging his shot wide from just outside the area.
The home team started to get on top from the 20th minute onwards, although their final pass was lacking, before Mattocks put Jamaica in front, inexplicably winning a header in between two defenders and looping the ball onto the far post.
The ball bounced back along the goal-line and then deflected into the net off the other post.
Guzan's error and Barnes' strike followed soon after and the home fans were reeling at the break.
The momentum swung drastically in the second half when Bradley scored and Klinsmann's men should have been level three minutes later when Johannsson headed over from six yards after Thompson again failed to hold an initial shot.
Jamaica's custodian again needed some luck in the 56th minute when Bradley's swerving drive from 30 yards bounced off his chest and onto the post, but Thompson had the last laugh as the Caribbean nation held on for the win.news_articleThu, 23 Jul 2015 00:02:46 +0000Anonymous422121 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUnited States v Jamaica: Johannsson taking his chanceDefending champions United States welcome Jamaica to Atlanta for their CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final on Tuesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/united-states-v-jamaica-johannsson-taking-his-chance
United States striker Aron Johannsson is growing in confidence as the defending champions edge closer to back-to-back CONCACAF Gold Cup titles.
USA set up a semi-final showdown with Jamaica in Atlanta on Wednesday after seeing off Cuba 6-0 last week.
Johannsson was handed a starting role alongside Gold Cup top goalscorer Clint Dempsey in the absence of Jozy Altidore, who was omitted from the squad due to a lack of fitness, and netted USA's third goal in the quarter-finals in Baltimore on Saturday.
"For a striker to get his first goal of the tournament, it's huge," Johannsson told ussoccer.com.
"Obviously I would have hoped it would come sooner, but to score in the knockout stage is always good."
USA captain Michael Bradley was the architect of Johannsson's stunning breakthrough goal at the tournament.
Bradley lofted a ball through to the AZ Alkmaar frontman, who caught Cuba goalkeeper Disovelis Guerra off his line with a sublime chip.
"It's important to keep growing and get the opportunity to score goals, and when you have them put them in," said Klinsmann.
"That's how he was throughout the game – he was hungry, he was waiting for the next opportunity.
"That builds more confidence, it gives you a bit more standing in the group and when somebody is leaving a camp and somebody else is coming in, it's about repositioning the ranking in the team. He wants to move up in the ranking, there's no doubt about it."
Jamaica are set to compete their third semi-final following their 1-0 victory against Haiti.
Houston Dynamo striker Giles Barnes was the hero for Jamaica - beaten semi-finalists in 1993 and 1998 - with his sixth-minute goal the difference at M&T Bank Stadium.
"I am on cloud nine, and so proud of my team, my country and hopefully we can continue," Barnes said.
"We want to just go into the final and take it to a new level… going into the semi-finals with this team, my brothers, is the stuff dreams are made of."
USA have won their past three matches against Jamaica, who last emerged victorious 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in 2012.news_articleTue, 21 Jul 2015 05:07:04 +0000Anonymous421244 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHaiti 0 Jamaica 1: Barnes sends surprise packets homeJamaica will face United States in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/haiti-0-jamaica-1-barnes-sends-surprise-packets-home
Giles Barnes was the difference in Baltimore after Jamaica survived to beat Haiti 1-0, ending the minnows' fairytale run at the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Saturday.
Haiti defied the odds to advance to the quarter-finals as runners-up behind defending champions and tournaments hosts United States in Group A.
However, Haiti's run came to an end against their Caribbean neighbours at M&T Bank Stadium.
Barnes netted the only goal of the match in the seventh minute, with the Houston Dynamo striker dispossessing Frantz Bertin before finding the net from an acute angle as Jamaica earned a semi-final showdown against USA.
Haiti made two changes to the team that beat Honduras, with Jean Alexandre and Jean Maurice coming in for Pascal Millien and Kervens Belfort.
There were four changes to Jamaica's starting XI following their win over El Salvador, with Ryan Thompson, Michael Hector, Joel Grant and Simon Dawkins named ahead of Dwayne Miller (injured), Jermaine Taylor, Je-Vaughn Watson and Darren Mattocks (suspended).
Jamaica put their stamp on proceedings early as they took the lead with the seventh-minute opener via Barnes.
Barnes made a darting run to the front post and pounced on some poor defending from Bertin, who reacted slowly and failed to clear the danger as the former tucked the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Johnny Placide from a tight angle.
Haiti eventually found their rhythm as the half wore on, and the minnows were unfortunate not to equalise on at least two occasions.
James Marcelin got his boot to the ball from a corner but his 14th-minute shot was straight down the throat of Ryan Thompson, while the best opportunity of the half fell to forward Duckens Nazon, who hit the post with a powerful low strike from outside the box 10 minutes later.
Jamaica were not without their chances as striker Dawkins saw his effort flash wide of the post just past the half-hour mark.
The second half was a scrappy affair with clear-cut opportunities at a premium.
Haiti were lucky not to be punished in the 56th minute after Placide's goal-kick went straight to Jobi McAnuff, who was denied by the keeper from close range, while Barnes sent his rebound over the crossbar.
At the other end, Haiti continued to push forward in search of an equaliser but they lacked the final product, summed up by Belfort's header that glanced just wide of the post in the first minute of injury time.news_articleSun, 19 Jul 2015 02:07:31 +0000Anonymous420277 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comJamaicas Powell denies walk-out due to lack of game timeAlvas Powell refuted reports he walked out on Jamaica's CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign due to a lack of game time.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/jamaicas-powell-denies-walk-out-due-lack-game-time
Jamaica defender Alvas Powell has apologised for walking out on his team-mates at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but refuted reports his reasoning was due to a lack of game time.
Powell, who plays for MLS club Portland Timbers, played just 20 minutes of Jamaica's three Group B fixtures at the continental event, coming on as a second-half substitute in their 1-0 win over El Salvador in Toronto.
It was reported the 20-year-old was frustrated with coach Winfried Schafer due to a lack of game time, but Powell claimed this was not his reason for walking out - but did not reveal an alternative.
"Firstly, I would like to sincerely apologise to the people of Jamaica, the JFF [Jamaica Football Federation] and my team-mates," Powell's statement read.
"I am truly sorry this situation has occurred, as I wanted to play for my country in the Gold Cup.
"Unfortunately, things were not handled right and I take full responsibility for my actions, but this wasn't to do with lack of playing time.
"At this time, I do not want to say anything further out of respect for my team-mates and the JFF.
"It is our first priority to make sure the team is concentrating on the task at hand, which is advancing in the Gold Cup.
"Hopefully I can work through these things with the manager and federation as representing my country is an honour and something I take great pride in, and in the future I very much want to be a part of my country's national team.
"I am confident the [Reggae] Boyz will continue to have success and I am 100 per cent behind the team."
Powell's absence for the remainder of the tournament leaves Schafer with another selection headache for Saturday's quarter-final against Haiti, adding to the unavailability of Jermaine Taylor (quadriceps), Je-Vaughn Watson and Darren Mattocks (both suspended).
Powell has been capped 13 times for Jamaica, after debuting in 2012.news_articleSat, 18 Jul 2015 03:08:49 +0000Anonymous419823 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHaiti v Jamaica: Caribbean neighbours face off for last-four berthCONCACAF Gold Cup surprise package Haiti take on Caribbean neighbours Jamaica in Baltimore for a historic last-four berth.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/haiti-v-jamaica-caribbean-neighbours-face-last-four-berth
Haiti can progress to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time in their history when they take on Jamaica in Saturday's quarter-final.
Marc Collat's men earned a surprising 1-0 win over Honduras in their final group game on Monday, a result that – combined with hosts and defending champions United States' 1-1 draw with Panama – proved to be enough for Haiti to progress to the last eight.
That win came after midfielder Jeff Louis and centre-back Jean Jacques Pierre left the squad due to disagreements with the management, but midfielder James Marcelin insists the team remains united.
"Whatever happened with the guys that left, we became more powerful because everybody wants one thing – to qualify for the next round," Marcelin said.
"We just prayed and we're going to work hard for the next game.
"For Haiti, the population that's waiting for us right now, it means a lot for them. Soccer is flying the flag everywhere for Haiti."
Jamaica's progress to the last eight was far more straightforward as they topped Group B with seven points thanks to a draw with Costa Rica and wins over Canada and El Salvador.
But Winfried Schafer's camp has been far from a harmonious one, with defender Alvas Powell walking out on the squad because of a lack of playing time, adding to a growing list of absentees for Jamaica.
Darren Mattocks and Je-Vaughn Watson are both suspended for the encounter at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, while defender Jermaine Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the Gold Cup because of a quadriceps tear sustained in the 1-0 victory against El Salvador.
Goalkeeper Dwayne Miller is also a doubt due to head injury sustained in the same game, but Garath McCleary is in good spirits ahead of the match.
"As I have said before, we were massive underdogs in this group and to come out on top with seven points is no mean feat," McCleary said.
"We go into the next game hoping to put in another good performance."
McCleary has good reason to approach the contest with confidence. Jamaica saw off Haiti 2-0 in the Caribbean Cup in November of last year.
The pair have never met in the Gold Cup finals and, although Jamaica did record a 3-0 success in the qualifying tournament for the 2003 competition, that will count for little against a Haiti side clearly full of spirit.news_articleFri, 17 Jul 2015 16:24:46 +0000Anonymous419634 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comJamaica to protest cards, Miller in hospitalDespite suffering a wave of misfortune against El Salvador, Jamaica were thrilled to reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/jamaica-protest-cards-miller-hospital
Jamaica coach Winfried Schafer claimed his team would "protest" some of the cards given to his team on Tuesday, and revealed goalkeeper Dwayne Miller was taken to hospital.
Miller was substituted in the 24th minute after suffering a head injury in Toronto but Jamaica went on to win 1-0 over El Salvador to top Group B at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Despite losing Miller and defender Jermaine Taylor in the first half, plus having Darren Mattocks sent off with nine minutes left, Jamaica claimed their second victory in Group B to advance to the quarter-finals.
Mattocks received two yellow cards as Jamaica finished with five, and Schafer was clearly unimpressed at the treatment his team received from the referee.
"We have to talk. We have 24 hours to protest," the German coach said, according to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Speaking about Miller, who was replaced by Ryan Thompson, Schafer said: "Miller is in hospital and I hope all the best for him."
The win at BMO Field saw Jamaica set up a quarter-final clash with Haiti, with that match set for Saturday in Baltimore.
Having failed to qualify for the 2013 Gold Cup - and only having reached the quarter-finals of one of the past four editions, Jamaica were thrilled to advance to the last-eight.
"We were massive underdogs coming into this tournament," goal-scorer Garath McCleary said.
"To come out on top is fantastic."
Schafer added: "I'm very, very happy about my team. I trust my players.
"Everybody fights together, all for one, and I'm very happy, very proud of my players."news_articleWed, 15 Jul 2015 06:55:16 +0000Anonymous418418 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comEl Salvador 0 Jamaica 1: Schafers men seal top spotJamaica remained unbeaten at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, downing El Salvador 1-0.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/el-salvador-0-jamaica-1-schafers-men-seal-top-spot
El Salvador's progression at the CONCACAF Gold Cup remains up in the air, after they lost 1-0 to Jamaica in Toronto on Tuesday.
Garath McCleary's tap-in in the 72nd minute ensured Winfried Schafer's men of top spot in Group B with seven points, having already secured their quarter-final place prior to the fixture at BMO Field.
The Reading man was on hand to score into an unguarded net, after El Salvador goalkeeper Derby Carrillo parried Adrian Mariappa's shot straight into his path.
Schafer's side were down to 10 men for the final 10 minutes, as Darren Mattocks earned a second yellow card for a studs-up challenge, but Jamaica held on to make it eight games in succession without defeat against the Salvadorians.
A remarkable double-save from substitute goalkeeper Ryan Thompson preserved Jamaica's clean sheet just prior to the hour mark, as he first parried Pablo Punyed's effort from range - before blocking Andres Flores' close-range effort from the rebound with his legs.
There was more on the line for El Salvador, and that was clear as they pushed for a winner in the second half - only for their quarter-final qualification to be left in the hands of Canada and Costa Rica, who play one another in the second match of the Toronto double-header.
Flores, in his first start for El Salvador this tournament, was in the thick of the action early, earning yellow for a challenge on Giles Barnes in just the fourth minute.
While challenging for a ball two minutes later, Flores made contact with Jermaine Taylor, and the Jamaican was forced from the field due to an injury sustained in the clash.
The former captain then very nearly set up Punyed for the opening goal, the forward getting on the end of Flores' cross in from the right - only to deflect it well high of the crossbar off his shin.
Jamaica goalkeeper Dwayne Miller was clipped on the head inadvertently by Punyed - and Schafer was forced to make his second first-half substitution, bringing on Thompson.
Carrillo almost made a fatal blunder 10 minutes out from half-time, fumbling an on-target free-kick from Kemar Lawrence - although Mariappa's follow-up from an acute angle scooted across the goalmouth.
Michael Hector, who replaced Taylor in the ninth minute, fouled Irvin Herrera right on the paint of the penalty area - but Richie Menjivar's curling free-kick was dealt with by Thompson.
El Salvador came out in the second half full of vigour as they hunted the goal they needed to ensure their progression, but they were caught on the counter as Jamaica ensured they enter the knockout stages high on confidence.
Je-Vaughn Watson was fortunate to see out the 90 minutes, as - having been cautioned moments earlier - he escaped sanction for pulling Punyed to the ground.
Second-half substitute Arturo Alvarez came close from both a set-piece and free play after his 62nd-minute introduction, but he was unable to break the deadlock.
And moments later, McCleary scored against the run of play to put El Salvador on the brink of an early exit.news_articleTue, 14 Jul 2015 23:58:29 +0000Anonymous418226 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comJamaica v El Salvador: Mariappa hints at Jamaicas title targetJamaica want more than just a victory against El Salvador as they target a maiden CONCACAF Gold Cup title.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/jamaica-v-el-salvador-mariappa-hints-jamaicas-title-target
Defender Adrian Mariappa hinted Jamaica are targeting overall glory at the CONCACAF Gold Cup as they look ahead to their clash with El Salvador.
Jamaica left it late to overcome Canada 1-0 in Houston on Saturday as they moved to the top of Group B, but their persistence and determination had the entire squad plus coach Winfried Schafer excited about the rest of the tournament.
Mariappa declared Jamaica's confidence is sky-high heading into Tuesday's clash with El Salvador, with the Caribbean nation needing just a draw to cement their spot in the Gold Cup quarter-finals.
"We were all up for [Canada] and now we've a lot of confidence going forward to the El Salvador game," the 28-year-old said, according to The Gleaner.
Jamaica lead Group B with four points, two ahead of both Costa Rica and El Salvador, with Canada bottom of the standings with one.
Mariappa and Co. are looking to become the first Jamaica team to reach the Gold Cup last-four since 1998, although the Crystal Palace man seems to believe they could go even further.
"We know that we can achieve things," he said.
"So this tournament is something we're all very focused about, achieving what we think we can.
"So going into the next game, we definitely want to get another positive result."
Jamaica will head into the match against El Salvador in Toronto having not lost to the Central Americans since 2000, with five wins in that period, including three in a row.
El Salvador have generally had the better of their two matches so far but have been unable to turn their dominance in terms of goal-scoring opportunities into victory.
It has been an ongoing theme for Albert Roca's team, with the Salvadorans having only triumphed in one of their eight matches this year.
El Salvador needed a stoppage-time volley from Dustin Corea to earn a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica on Saturday but even if they lose, Roca's side could advance to the quarter-finals as one of the leading two third-placed teams.
Roca's men currently lead the third-place standings with two points ahead of the final round of group matches.news_articleMon, 13 Jul 2015 06:23:10 +0000Anonymous417291 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAustin thrilled with Jamaicas persistence in the heatBoth Jamaica and Canada struggled with the heat and humidity in Houston, which made the win all the sweeter for the Caribbean nation.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/austin-thrilled-jamaicas-persistence-heat
Jamaica captain and match-winner Rodolph Austin was thrilled with how his team overcame a stubborn Canada and tough conditions to win on Saturday.
With the temperature in Houston having peaked at 34 degrees Celsius and humidity around 50 per cent, both sides were drenched in sweat at BBVA Compass Stadium within minutes of the opening whistle of the CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B encounter.
But Jamaica had to wait until almost the final minute of the match to secure a 1-0 win in Texas, with Austin heading Adrian Mariappa's cross home from six yards in stoppage time.
The 30-year-old midfielder applauded his team's effort immediately after the final whistle.
"Well, it was very hot out there," he said in his official on-pitch interview.
"It's very humid and, you know, we fight through it and we get the three points and that's very good."
The victory took Jamaica to the top of Group B with four points, leaving them two clear of both Costa Rica and El Salvador by the end of Saturday, as the latter two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the second game of Houston's double-header.
"We know we have the quality to lead the group," Austin said.
For Canada, the performance was another frustrating one as they failed to trouble the scorers for the fifth straight match at the continental championships.
El Salvador and Canada completed a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the 2015 Gold Cup, while the Canadians also remained goalless in their three games of the 2013 edition.
"In the first half we had a few good opportunities and couldn't put them away," midfielder Julian de Guzman told Canada Soccer's official website.
"From then on we were fighting to stay in the game. We gave away a lot of energy in the first half.
"There were too many times we were giving the ball away and in that heat it makes things very difficult."
Canada sit bottom in Group B with just one point but could still progress to the quarter-finals if they can get something out of their game against Costa Rica on Tuesday.news_articleSun, 12 Jul 2015 05:22:16 +0000Anonymous416825 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com